Fantastic fourth for Lowry

An incredible final round of four under par 67 ensured Shane Lowry finished fourth at the Andalucia Masters at the famous Valderama Golf Course in Spain.

An incredible final round of four under par 67 ensured Shane Lowry finished fourth at the Andalucia Masters at the famous Valderama Golf Course in Spain.

The Esker Hills clubman was in the hunt right through the event and his final round, the joint best of the day, ensured he picked up a cheque for €150,000.

The result has catapulted Shane up to 42nd in the Race to Dubai which could well be enough to see him into the prestigious end of season event on the European Tour. The top 60 on the Order of Merit qualify and the Offaly golfer went into the weekend just outside the qualification places.

It is his second payday in excess of €100,000 this year as he already pocketed €191,000 for his fourth place finish at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in May.. It should be remembered that Shane’s season was late starting due to injury.

It also brings his career earnings over the €1 million barrier and moves him up 41 places in the Official World Golf Rankings to 170th.

Shane’s final round in Valderama included an impressive five birdies and just one dropped shot. Three of the birdies came on consecutive holes on the third, fourth and fifth.

On a very tough course, Shane shot rounds of 72 and back to back level par 71s before his final round of five under par left him as one of just six players under par at the end of the event.

Home favourite Sergio Garcia eventually emerged victorious just one shot ahead of compatriot Miguel Angel Jimenez. Long time leader Richie Ramsey just stayed ahead of Shane in third place thanks to a birdie on his final hole.

This website and its associated newspaper are full participating members of the Press Council of Ireland and supports the Office of the Press Ombudsman. This scheme in addition to defending the freedom of the press, offers readers a quick, fair and free method of dealing with complaints that they may have in relation to articles that appear on our pages. To contact the Office of the Press Ombudsman go to www.pressombudsman.ie or www.presscouncil.ie